haha only if the world becomes upside down, and a miracle from the heavens falls down, would this podium be realised

Why do you say that? It is very possible. But I dont want Julia to win, even tough after seeing her in Finlandia she will probably do. I would like Mao or Kiira in first. But Kiira is inconsistent and Mao I still have to see her in competition. But after Japan Open she looks like she is in a better shape than last year. And her long program is very beautiful. I keep my fingers crossed for Kiira to make the podium.

My very vague predictions

I feel that Julia will get gold, seeing how she was so loved by the judges in Finlandia with her consistency and hyper-flexibility. I would actually like Mao to win, but she is likely to get silver, if she makes a few mistakes. I would guess Kiira or Mirai for bronze. But the ice is slippery and Sofia, Zijun, Amelie could pull out two solid performances and snatch a medal.

I guess it's hard to argue against these predictions since Julia, Kiira and Mao have posted big scoring performances so far this season. My heart wants to see Mirai on that top step.

I'm hoping Finlandia got her early season jitters out of her and she can give a real on-two punch out there. Her programs are SO much better than last season and she seems to be really fighting for it this year.

I think Mao has the most likely hood of winning the free skate if she delivers like she did at Japan Open. This early into the season though I think we're looking at a case of who can stay on their feet the most and if we look at history than things seem to be in favor of Julia winning.

I have to say, this is the third grand prix in the row where it really feels like there's a surprisingly deep field for the ladies. I see four different ladies with a legitimate chance at a medal here and maybe even the top spot of the podium.

I think Mirai might surprise folks; the russian ballerinas have been struggling with growth issues. Mao is a wild card; I am losing faith in her - too many bad skates and still no decision - go for the triple axel or all the other jumps???? Make a decision and go with it Mao. Its now Mao or you better watch out for Gao